The United Nations General Assembly has formally recognised the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” adopting a landmark resolution spearheaded by Ghana and backed by 123 member states.

The decision, taken on March 25, 2026, marks a major milestone in global efforts to confront historical injustices and advance calls for reparative justice.

While the resolution encourages formal apologies and contributions toward a reparations framework, it does not prescribe specific financial commitments.

The motion passed despite opposition from the United States, Israel and Argentina, with 52 countries—including the United Kingdom and several European Union member states—abstaining.

Speaking on behalf of the African Union at the UN headquarters in New York, President John Dramani Mahama described the resolution as a moral imperative and a defining moment in history.

“Let it be recorded that when history beckoned, we did what was right for the memory of the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery. Let our vote on this resolution restore their dignity and humanity,” he said.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, noted that the resolution reinforces the need for accountability over centuries of enslavement and colonisation, while opening the door for structured global dialogue on reparations.

The resolution—titled “Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity”—also calls for the return of looted cultural artefacts, reforms to global systems, and stronger protections for Africans and people of African descent worldwide.

President Mahama stressed that neutrality on such issues amounts to injustice, invoking the words of Theodore Roosevelt to underscore the ethical responsibility of nations to take a stand.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the resolution but urged member states to go further in addressing systemic racism and inequality.

He called for the dismantling of harmful narratives across media, education, and political systems, emphasising the need for bold and sustained action to tackle the enduring legacy of slavery.

The resolution forms part of broader initiatives led by African and Caribbean nations seeking justice for historical injustices, including proposals to establish a dedicated UN reparations tribunal.

President Mahama highlighted the importance of remembrance, noting that over 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken during the transatlantic slave trade.

He urged the global community to honour their memory through education and reflection while working toward healing and a more equitable future.